Much of Arkansas at high risk for wildfires, forecasters say

Tuesday

Nov 28, 2017 at 10:47 AMNov 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM

The Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK — State forestry officials say the risk for wildfires remains high throughout Arkansas as dry conditions persist.

The Arkansas Forestry Commission says firefighters have suppressed more than 100 wildfires since Thanksgiving. Those fires have burned a total of more than 1,800 acres throughout the state, and officials say that number doesn't include fires that have burned in state parks or national forests.

About half of Arkansas' 75 counties are currently under burn bans, including Franklin, Johnson and Polk counties in the Fort Smith region. The National Weather Service in Little Rock says rainfall since Sept. 1 is between 5 inches and 10 inches below average, which is causing drought conditions in much of the state.

Forecasters say some areas could see isolated thunderstorms Wednesday, but the wildfire risk will persist because of the dry conditions.

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